Cocos (Keeling) Islands: Reef Manta Ray

Overview

The warm waters around the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are frequented by a great range of marine life, including the Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi). Found in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the Indo-Pacific, this spectacular ray reaches up to five metres in width.

Unique belly markings are used to identify individual rays, and there have been 72 reef manta rays identified around the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, with 12 individuals seen more than once. As the name suggests, this ray is generally seen in reefs close to shore but may venture out to depth to feed on zooplankton, the tiny, microscopic animals found in the water column. The female gives birth to one or sometimes two pups after a gestation period of around 12 months.

The Reef Manta Ray is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Technical specifications

Issue date: 18 May 2021
Issue withdrawal date: 30 November 2021
Denomination: $1.10 x 2, $2.20 x 2
Stamp design: Jo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio
Product design: Jo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio
Paper: gummed: Tullis Russell Red Phos
Printer: RA Printing
Printer (minisheet): Ego
Printing process: Offset lithography
Stamp size (mm): 37.5 x 26
Minisheet size (mm): 135 x 26
Perforations: 13.86 x 14.6
Sheet layout: Module of 50
FDI Postmark: Cocos (Keeling) Islands WA 6799
FDI withdrawal date: 16 June 2021

Stamps in this issue

$1.10 Reef Manta Ray – group of three

The Reef Manta Ray has triangular pectoral fins, horn-shaped cephalic fins and a large, forward-facing mouth. Pictured in this stamp design is a group of three rays. The stamp photograph is by Karen Willshaw.

$1.10 Reef Manta Ray – ventral view

The Reef Manta Ray’s ventral surface is generally white, with dark spots and blotches, as pictured in this stamp design. The stamp photograph is by Karen Willshaw.

$2.20 Reef Manta Ray – dark dorsal view

The colour of the Reef Manta Ray’s dorsal side is dark grey or black with white areas near the top of the head. This stamp design showcases a Reef Manta Ray with dark dorsal colouring. The stamp photograph is by Karen Willshaw.